The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Interiors bench seat VS bucket seats

what is better bench or bucket....like which is more comfortable better organized just all together which one is better?

It's your [censored], you should know by now. There are a lot of variables though...is your truck stock or custom and do your want your truck to stay that way for example. Are you exeptionally tall or heavy?

I have gone on 2k trips with a stock-suspensioned '49 w/ bench and felt very comfortable. With the stock 16 gal. tank I get out of the truck for fuel, eats and pit stops. Personally, I don't like sitting in one place all that long even if it the most comfortable seat in the house. Good luck w/ your decision, all the best to you and yours, Cosmo.

Sam, I think Cosmo is right, it's your [censored]... but it's all meant to say that anything you do to your bolt is a personal decision. Here's kind of a decision process:

If your plans are to do an accurate restoration then the decisions are made for you as you'll need to follow what the truck was originally. The variables here are if you plan to show the truck and at what level of competition. This will also determine how often you drive it... need for a garage, etc.

But if your plans are to have a comfortable truck that you can cruise around in then ask yourself:
-How often?
-How far?
-How much $$ do I want to put into it?
-Can I do the work or do I have to pay someone?
-And most importantly, what kind of a look do I want?

More to the point about your question, I've found that my bench seat is more restrictive. You are very limited on forward and back adjustments. It's a good thing that I've not yet put on TOO much weight as my steering wheel is righthere. But I did add additional padding to the seat when I had it covered so that was a factor. Having said all of that, the seat is very comfortable. I never considered putting in buckets because although my truck is a daily driver with some upgrades, I still want it to retain the charm of the old look.

I sort of valved on here... hope it was helpful. Good luck and welcome!

Just to further complicate things, a good Upholstery Shop can create a " bench " seat with built-in " buckets " for the best of both worlds !

if'in you redo your stock seat (@ that good upholster's shop) I would suggest that you have a lumbar support placed in/on the back portion of the stocker seat to help your back

A lumbar support... WOW! I never considered that!

I did have them put two pockets along the front edge of the seat... nice place to put a map, my cigars, etc.

thanks everybody for all ur help...and i guess ur right it is really my personal perference..my truck is not going to be stock due to the 4x4,engine,frame,and tranny..so i guess if i find a bench seat i like then i will use that but if no ti might go with buckets i was just trying to get peoples ideas to help me decide = )

SAM SIMPSON, a 2000 or newer buick lesabre seat will work and it has built in shoulder harness. it is a split bench with a console. i plan to put one in my 54/3100 havn't found one yet in my area i live in a small town. they run about 125.00 and you can get leather or cloth seat. i found a few cloth but no good leather. ron

we b old thanks for the help i think that is excatly what i am looking for a seat with a split center console...i will look in to on e thank you so much

I have GMC Van seats in my 59 truck with power for the driver and it greatly improved the ride of the truck. Captains chairs with arm rests. I highly recommend them as 'I appreciate a bit of comfort in me old age...' You can then build whatever console you like. And you'll have room for all those 4x4 levers and what nots.

I might look into the buick seat for my 72 though... Not a bad idea - I have had plent of buicks with very comfortable seats. I was thinking maybe a 40/60 with power for the driver. Dunno about leather...but....hmmmmm.....

Stock seats are fine if you find that expert upholstery shop. I got lucky finding the perfect seat for my 46, split bench out of a 89 Ford Ranger extended cab. Has a notch out for my shifter, center arm rest, back flips foreward to access some storage space and it's modern, with support in all the right places. You can also buy ready to fit upholstery kits for a modern seat. It's your [censored], back, legs etc etc etc.

dont know what year your truck is, but my 38's cab is very small. If I decide to switch to buckets, I am going to find them out of a 4 door compact. the seats themselves are thinner in the rear which will allow me to move the seat back further. I will have them reupolstered, but I think finding a small frame to begin with will definitly result in a smaller finished product, regardless of how much padding is placed on top of the framework.

I would go with buckets dude I think if you get the right ones it will look good in that beast.